Dogs love being outside and who can blame them? Not only is it refreshing, but it provides are all kinds of physical and mental health benefits. It’s truly an excellent form of self-care for both humans and canines alike. So why not take your yard to the next level for your pooch. Here are 12 dog toys and accessories to deck out your backyard for your canine companion.
If your dog loves tug-of-war, these toys are for them! One end has an enticing toy (like a tennis ball or braided rope) while the other end secures into the ground or around a tree, metal fence, wood deck or other strong object. Though the grounded tug toys work well for some, especially smaller dogs, the hanging ones tend to be more sturdy and less likely to destroy the part of your yard where they’re planted. The grounded tether toys do come in a variety of sizes based on your dog’s weight in an attempt to mitigate this issue. But the hanging ones typically hold more weight (some up to 260 pounds) and can be hung up to 10 feet off the ground, depending on the size of your dog. Just make sure to position it where you dog’s feet can still touch the ground. Also, supervision during use is highly recommended.
Great for: Dogs who love tug-of-war, smaller dogs (grounded option), large and strong dogs (hanging option), yards with trees or other objects to secure the bungee to.
LOOBANI Dog Outdoor Bungee Hanging Toy
DIBBATU Spring Pole Dog Rope Toys with a Big Spring Pole Kit
Flirt Poles
Flirt poles are essentially the dog version of cat wand toys – with a pole on one end that you hold and a tassel toy on the other that your dog goes after. You can run the toy along the grass for chasing or wave it in the air to get your pup jumping. It’s a great option for quick bursts of physical exertion as well as mental stimulation. This is also a toy regularly used by dog trainers because of those benefits and to help with agility.
Great for: Dogs of any size, smaller yards.
Manual Ball Launchers
Manual ball launchers are great for dogs who love fetch but could use an increase in the intensity of the game. There are plenty of options – from the classic ChuckIt! Sport Ball Launcher (which comes in a variety of sizes and types) and Franklin Pet Supply Tennis Ball Launcher to the more playful Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster (also comes in a compact version) and Hyper Pet Dog Ball Launcher gun. If you want to rocket tennis balls up to 50 feet, the latter two are for you. Just make sure you get there right size balls for your launcher of choice.
Great for: Dogs who love fetch, larger yards (depending on the launch distance of the device).
ChuckIt! Sport Ball Launcher (Large)
ChuckIt! Sport Ball Launcher (Medium)
ChuckIt! Sport Ball Launcher (Small)
Franklin Pet Supply Tennis Ball Launcher for Dogs (Black/Green)
Franklin Pet Supply Tennis Ball Launcher for Dogs (Glow In The Dark)
Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster
Nerf Dog Compact Tennis Ball Blaster
Hyper Pet Dog Ball Launcher (Mini)
Hyper Pet Dog Ball Launcher (Full-Size)
Automatic Ball Launchers
This one is for the fetch lovers out there who can’t get enough of the game. Automatic ball launchers allow your pup to play fetch for as long as their heart desires (so you’ll probably need to provide forced breaks, unless you go for the PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher, which gives a 15 minute break for every 15 minutes of play). Automatic launchers typically have several settings for launch distance, time between launches and ball size. They also have a handful of safety measures in place to protect humans and canines alike (such as sensors to prevent launching into someone, noises to signal an upcoming launch and more). Many are rechargeable, though some have batteries, and come with the option to launch via remote or independent play.
A few things to note: they are pricier, reviews are mixed and some have size or brand (typically their own) requirements regarding what balls you can use. Also, you’ll need to teach your dog how to use it, but that’s part of the fun!
Great for: Dogs who love fetch, larger yards (depending on the launch distance of the device).
PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher
IDOGMATE Automatic Dog Ball Launcher
iFetch Interactive Ball Launchers for Dogs
PetPrime Dog Automatic Ball Launcher
GoDogGo Inc. Fetch Machine G4 Automatic Dog Ball Launcher
Franklin Pet Supply Ready Set Fetch Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher
Oversized Balls
The backyard is the perfect place for an oversized ball, which would otherwise cause some damage in the house. There are several options that serve different purposes. One example is the Chuckit! Kick Fetch Toy Ball, which is great for throwing and kicking. It’s made of durable canvas, rubber and foam to withstand tough chewers and has a grooved design that makes it easy to for you to throw and for your dog to grab. It comes in several sizes and varieties, including one that glows in the dark and one that makes noise.
Another is the Wobble Wag Giggle Ball, a tough toy that makes silly sounds dogs seem to love. It’s made of durable vinyl with several indents to help your dog grab it. No batteries are required either thanks to a special internal tube system that creates the unique noise. Also comes in a glow in the dark version for extended play time.
One more example is the Boomer Ball, which provides some extra mental stimulation as it challenges your dog to play without their mouth – from pushing with their nose, pawing at it, kicking it and beyond. The oversized ball is made from durable polyethylene, so it’s very difficult to puncture or rip. And it comes in several sizes to accommodate all kinds of dogs. The company recommends you select a size bigger than what your dog can carry for the extra challenge that can provide.
Great for: Medium to large dogs, strong dogs, dogs who love fetch or balls.
Chuckit! Kick Fetch Toy Ball (Large, Regular/Glow)
Chuckit! Kick Fetch Toy Ball (Small, Giggle/Glow/Regular)
Wobble Wag Giggle Ball (Original/Glow In The Dark)
Boomer Ball (S/M/L/XL)
Flying Discs (Frisbees)
Flying discs or Frisbees are a favorite for outside play because they fly high and travel far (and in various directions). You could throw them inside at extremely short distances to avoid destroying something in the house or apartment, but that’s not as fun for dogs. Look for discs made of soft material, as they’re easier on your dog’s gums and teeth while still flying high with nice hang times. They are typically made of nylon, polyester, soft rubber and/or non-toxic foam. This makes them lightweight but durable, able to withstand your dog’s jaws as well as water, mud and bad weather.
Great for: Dogs who love to run, dogs who love to retrieve, large or long yards.
ChuckIt! Paraflight Flyer Dog Frisbee Toy Floats
RUFFWEAR – Hydro Plane Floating Disc
ChuckIt! Zipflight Flyer Dog Frisbee Toy Floats
Nerf Dog Durable Nylon Flyer
Chuckit! Flying Squirrel Dog Toy (Small/Petite)
Chuckit! Flying Squirrel Dog Toy (Medium)
Chuckit! Flying Squirrel Dog Toy (Large)
Chuckit! Lite Flight
Puller Fitness Rings
If your dog likes fetch, tug-of-war and Frisbees then these puller fitness rings may be right up his or her alley. Especially if you have a smaller yard, as these don’t launch as far as flying discs. Puller fitness rings are not just an ordinary dog toy, but are also a fitness tool that provides physical exercise and mental stimulation for your pup. You can use them in multiple ways – for pulling, running (throw and roll them so your dog has to chase it) and jumping (hold them out for your dog to jump and grab). The two rings will keep your dog in constant motion, which provides more exercise in a shorter amount of time. This is especially useful for smaller spaces. In addition, the rings are made of soft yet durable material that has a slight give, so as not to damage teeth or gums but can stand up to tough play. They are also buoyant, meaning you can take exercising to the water. Lastly, they come in many sizes to accommodate all kinds of dogs.
Great for: Dogs who love to run or jump, dogs who love fetch or tug-of-war, smaller yards.
Collar Puller Fitness Rings (Mini, Midi, Standard)
Collar Puller Fitness Rings (Mini, Midi, Standard, Maxi)